The De Beers Fund considers support for non-profit community development projects working in the educational, welfare, primary health care, skills development, environmental conservation and cultural sector aiming to benefit the broader community. Appeals for funding are considered on a regular basis. The Fund does not have any deadline for the submission of applications; however, it is not possible to consider emergency requests and it is advisable to submit applications well in advance. The Fund prefers to assist projects that have a broad donor base and incorporate a level of sustainability. It is usually not possible to consider large amounts for capital and operating costs.
	To assist in a thorough assessment of your project the Fund requires a written proposal to be submitted which should include as much of the following information as is possible: Detailed information on when the project was established, its track record and achievements to date; A copy of the project's most recent financial statements, preferably audited; A detailed income and expenditure budget showing annual running costs, capital requirements as well as income likely to be secured during the year; A list showing the names of current and past donors and their levels of support; Detailed information on a particular project or component of the budget in most need of funding; An overview of the project's aims and objectives, detailed costings and quotations for specific goods or services required, if applicable; A signed copy of the project's constitution and details of its management committee; Letters of support from other organisations and community leaders to which the project and its organisers are known; A list of other donors being approached for assistance, with copies of their responses where possible; Any other supporting information, contact names with telephone numbers, photographs and so on, which may help the Fund better understand the work of your project; Confirmation of Section 21 or 18A registration, if applicable. Activities that are generally not considered by the De Beers Fund: Individual bursaries/bursary funds; Religious organisations (other than community outreach) including the construction and maintenance of places of worship; Sporting activities, sports and recreation clubs (except for specific community sports development programmes and sport for the disabled); Company promotions and membership subscriptions; Musical festivals and choirs; Video and film productions; Political, or quasi-political bodies; Trade unions; Overseas tours and exchanges; General fundraising circulars (the Fund’s response is to request the project to identify specific priorities or needs); Leveraged giving – meeting the costs of collecting donations from others; Endowment trusts; Commercial ventures (closed corporations and other for profit activities); Loans and Investments; Grand projects which are beyond the capacity of the De Beers Fund to contribute to meaningfully; Generalised school requests especially for computers in a context where there is no evidence of focused use and educational purpose; Large infrastructural projects e.g. dams, roads, water and housing; Advertising in educational or other supplements. The Fund receives numerous applications on a daily basis and, although it is not possible to guarantee a positive outcome, your request will be reviewed as soon as the above information is received. If a grant is approved the Fund will require a comprehensive report on the project on completion of the funding period. Failure to comply with the conditions of the grant could influence future requests for support. Download the De Beers Fund guidelines and funding application form